It’s almost time to put in PTO requests and spend those hard-earned vacation days camped out on a beach blanket. If last year’s swimwear is looking a bit worn and dated, here are some of the most au courant swimwear trends for both men and women.

Now on the cusp of summer, our thoughts turn to sun, fun and all that goes with it. A tan invariably completes the picture. Many of us go to tanning salons, utilizing either a tanning bed/booth or spray tan, to get that perfect, sun-kissed look in a hurry.

Spending time poolside or at the beach is one of the best things about summer. However, all those hours spend soaking up chlorine and salt water can cause hair to dry out and break, which leads to some serious frizz. Plus, pools can wreak havoc on light or colored hair, just ask any blonde who’s ever come away from the pool with sickly green locks. But summer doesn’t have to be a bummer for hair. Here are a few simple ways to keep hair looking great all summer long.

It’s almost time to put in PTO requests and spend those hard-earned vacation days camped out on a beach blanket. If last year’s swimwear is looking a bit worn and dated, here are some of the most au courant swimwear trends for both men and women.

Mardi Gras is over and Easter is just around the corner, which means it’s time to freshen up your wardrobe with lighter, brighter spring styles. Here are a few of the season’s trendiest pieces for both men and women.

If you’re feeling nostalgic for the groovy vibes of the 60s and 70s, then you’re going to love spring’s hottest hairstyles. According to Lensi White, master stylist at Signatures Salon in Lake Charles, some of the looks that recently went down the runway at New York Fashion Week would have looked right at home at Studio 54. Here are the hairstyles she’s anticipating seeing a lot more of this spring.

At this point, we’ve seen the worst of winter, and it’s time to start looking ahead to warm spring sunshine and sun-soaked summer beach days. But all that time hanging around indoors during the winter months can wreak havoc on skin. Luckily, many skin problems can be solved with a day at the spa. Here are some tips for fresh-looking, summer-ready skin from Sasha Baldwin, esthetician at GlowDoc Med Spa.

The barbershop has traditionally been a place where men could let their hair down, literally and figuratively. However, barbershops have never really been the best places to experiment with new styles, and they generally don’t offer services like eyebrow waxing or facials. But a new salon in Lake Charles, ManCave, is a dudes only spot that offers the best of a barbershop, trendy salon, and favorite pub all in one place.

From shirts to socks, Southwest Louisiana’s newest online menswear boutique, Corbello’s Menswear, features a variety of fine, fashionable and affordable men’s clothing that will help guys look good from head to toe, and can be shipped directly to your door.

We all know exercise is good for the body and mind. Did you know exercise and sweating is good for your skin, too? "When exercising, we release toxins from our skin, opening up and clearing out our pores,” explains Dr. Margarita Lolis, a New Jersey board certified dermatologist. "However, if you miss an important step when it comes to exercising and skin, you'll start to notice negative changes in your skin."

Winter is here, and while we don’t get the extreme cold of our northern neighbors, we still have to deal with the change in temperature. And different skin types have different reactions to the weather. For example, the humidity of Southwest Louisiana in the summer is actually good for dry skin, as the dampness in the air will help your skin retain moisture. It’s not so good for oily skin, as it causes an increase in oil production from sebaceous glands.

Early spring is a tricky time for fashion. Temperatures can feel like winter one minute and spring the next, so it’s hard to know if you should dress for December or May. Historically, the vest hasn’t gotten nearly enough love as a transitional weather staple to take your winter wardrobe on into spring. Luckily, this year the vest is getting its proper respect, and the opportunities for both men and women to try out stylish spring vests have never been better!

When it comes to menswear, guys don’t usually get to pick from a ton of patterns. Oftentimes, the men’s sections of department stores are full of both graphic tees (which are too casual for a lot of events) and boring button-downs in solid colors. Luckily, this year, stripes have become one of the most popular looks for stylish guys who are sick of solids. Here are few of the best ways to try out this spring’s most sought-after menswear look:

In terms of fashion trends, the last few years have been busy, busy, busy as bright florals and bell sleeves abounded. But 2019 brings a return to basics for both men’s and women’s clothing. A minimalist approach and subtle colors are your best bet for staying on-trend in the new year.

Our faces reveal much about ourselves. Worry lines and sun damage can tell the tales. Smoothing and plumping the skin with the use of injectables has been successful for decades. Botox, Restylane, and Juvederm are brands that have become familiar to many.

A new year is the perfect time to try out a new hairstyle. And the great thing about 2019’s best styles is that they’re incredibly versatile, easy to adopt, and work well with a lot of different hair types. Here are a few ideas for your best hair year yet:

There are so many fun things about the holiday season: food, fêtes, and family. But if you’re a fashion lover, the holidays also mean a great excuse to go all out in exciting, festive outfits. If you’re looking to update your party clothes with a few new accessories, here are some of 2018’s biggest trends.

We’ve all been there: the workday ends at 5:00 p.m., and the holiday party begins at 5:30. With no time to run home and change, there seems to be only two options; either dress down for the party in office clothes or spend the workday way too dressed up in party gear. But there are definitely ways to stay comfortable in the office while still looking party-ready. It just takes a bit of planning.

As it finally gets chilly and the holiday season goes into full swing, it’s time to pull out those sweaters. However, if you feel like last year’s wardrobe is a bit ‘meh’ and you want to spice things up with a few trendy pieces, there are lots of affordable ways to give your look a makeover without spending a lot of money.

Wearing a great outfit is sometimes all it takes to have a great day. But as most of us aren’t shaped like department store mannequins, one person’s awesome ensemble could be another person’s irritatingly clingy or oddly baggy fashion nightmare. Choosing your favorite features and accentuating them accordingly is the key to feeling comfortable, looking great, and developing a sophisticated personal style. Here are the ways that highlighting different areas of your body can help put your best features forward.

There are lots of reasons to consider hair extensions. Maybe you’re trying to avoid that awkward stage of growing out a pixie cut, or maybe you just want an extra special look for a big event. Whatever your reason, there are plenty of options out there for those who want (temporarily) longer hair.

This month celebrates "No-Shave November,” an annual event where guys around the world grow out their facial hair to raise awareness for men’s issues such as prostate cancer and suicide prevention. You may also know the concept as "Movember” – a mashup of a slang term for mustache and the word November. If you’d like to participate this year, here’s some expert advice for growing out facial hair while still looking debonair.

It’s important to treat your skin well all year long, but skin care experts know that treating your skin appropriately season by season is what will determine its overall health. And by the time fall comes around, your skin is ready for a vacation from the harsh conditions of our long Southwest Louisiana summer.

Buying vintage or secondhand clothing is a great way to find unique pieces that add a bit of flair to your personal style. Thrifting also affords the opportunity to snag designer items at a fraction of the original cost if you know what you’re looking for. Here’s how to make sure your next thrifting excursion yields some awesome finds.

Lauren Monroe is the mastermind behind Fashion Gives Back – a fashion show fueled by women helping women who understand the struggles and loss sometimes involved with motherhood. "I love fashion, but I love empowering women even more,” says Monroe, owner of Mimosa Boutique. And with her own personal experiences guiding her along the way, Lauren has created an event that has grown over the years and helped many in need. "Through personal experiences I know that the journey to motherhood can be a difficult one,” she says. "I wanted to do something to give back to the community and let families know that they are not alone.”

This fall, makeup lovers who live for all things sparkly, shiny, and glittery are in for a treat because right now, the cosmetics industry is all about overstatement. From glitter to metallic, standing out is this year’s hottest trend.

The days are getting shorter, and fashion lovers everywhere are looking forward to putting those sundresses and swimsuits in storage and focusing on autumn looks. After years of 90s- and 70s-inspired fashion that focused on plaid, flannel, and even saw the return of the (ath)leisure suit, runways for fall 2018 finally gave us something different. And if you’re a fan of 80s fashion, you’re in luck, as some of the hottest looks for fall might make you nostalgic for Michael Landon and Debra Winger.

Because school dress codes determine what students can and cannot wear to school, it may seem challenging to be yourself in a sea of navy blues, hunter greens, khakis, and whites. However, there are ways to express individuality while still following the school guidelines.

After nearly a decade of beachy waves, sleek, straight, and shiny hair has made a huge comeback. And while curls are beautiful in their own right, straight hair often gets a bad rap as "boring.” But long or short, super straight locks are elegant and bold.

One year ago, Katie Clark Sanford and Lauren Louviere Monroe opened their chic Southern children’s boutique, Sercy Lane. Both women are moms to young children and adore fashion. They felt there was a gap in the regional toddler clothing market and purchased most of their children’s clothing online

If you’re a fan of all things fringe, full-skirted, and floral, and believe that more is more when building your look, then you’re probably a lover of Bohemian (or boho) style. And the past few years have been great for flower children, since fringe jackets, bell sleeves, and even bell-bottoms have made a huge comeback.

For the past few years, matte makeup has been one of the biggest trends in beauty. Matte makeup doesn’t reflect light and sometimes provides fuller coverage, so while it’s plenty dramatic, it can look pretty. But this summer, it’s time to shine. Bold shimmery colors are back on the shelves just in time to create mermaid-inspired summer looks.

As the weather heats up and skies turn clear, save-the-dates and wedding invitations often start arriving in the mail en masse. And while sunny summer weddings are truly happy days devoted to the celebration of love, wearing the correct wedding attire can be tricky as temperatures shoot toward the triple digits. Here are a few dos and don’ts for choosing the perfect wedding outfit.

What you wear can be a huge confidence booster when you get it right. The tricky thing is, there are so many options, trends come and go, and you change a lot, too. What you wear should make you feel good and be a source of comfort when you step into the world. It’s like your armor that only works when you feel like you’re workin’ it.

Sugar can be used for more than just sweet drinks and desserts. It is a prime ingredient in many beauty products, specifically sugar scrubs. The primary function of a sugar scrub is to exfoliate skin, leaving skin smooth, glowing, and moisturized.

Long hair and summer go together about as well as a snow cone and the surface of the sun. Both make a drippy, goopy mess in a matter of seconds. If you’re looking to make the chop while the temperatures soar, 2018 is your year because shorter styles are totally on trend. And if you just want to get your long locks out of the way until fall without making the chop, there are plenty of stylish hair accessories to keep you looking cool even into triple digits.

No one wants to smother their toes with socks when temperatures outside start to sizzle. Sandals are basically climate control for feet. But just because they bare a bit more skin doesn’t mean sandals should get a pass to look sloppy. This summer, save the flip-flops for the beach and slip on more sophisticated summer sandals for work, nights out, and even weekend wear.

Full, arched eyebrows accentuate eyes and give the entire face a fresh, youthful energy. But most of us aren’t born with perfectly shaped brows; that’s why there’s an entire industry devoted to penciling and painting the eyebrows we wish we had. But if getting up every morning to draw on a set of beautiful brows isn’t your thing, microblading could be the beauty hack you’ve been looking for.

The objective of any beauty routine is to help people be their best selves, improve their appearance, and feel beautiful. Removing excess hair from one’s body can contribute to the overall look a person is trying to achieve, but it can also benefit their skin in ways they may not realize. Not only does waxing remove unwanted body hair, it can also remove dead skin cells, leaving skin more radiant. If you’re in search of a place to achieve your hair removal beauty goals, check out a new addition to Lake Charles -- Waxing the City.

Cold winter temperatures mean bundling up and battling dry skin, especially raw, cracked cuticles; but spring weather is all about renewal -- shedding layers, brightening your wardrobe, and refreshing your nails and toes with a revitalizing mani/pedi. If you’re ready for warmer weather but your nails aren’t, here are some of the season’s most exciting trends in nail art and polish colors to get you beach vacation-ready.

Fast fashion doesn’t have to mean frivolous, and even though most teens are working on a tight clothing budget, there are plenty of stylish pieces out there that only look like a million bucks. The best spring pieces are versatile enough to be layered for chillier mornings but light enough to transition into summer. Here are some tips for picking on-trend spring styles that can be worn in a variety of ways.

Dressing up for Easter services, egg hunts, and family gatherings is a time-honored Southern tradition. And after a winter full of dark colors and soggy weather, it’s also one of the best times to break out new fashions in colors bright enough to rival the Easter eggs. Luckily this year’s best trends seem to be made for Easter Sunday.

Is it possible to chase two dreams? Local chiropractor Dr. Laurie Baynard has turned her longtime dreams into reality. She has crafted her own corner of our local bridal market. L Bridal Couture should open by the end of this month. With her chiropractic practice only steps away from her bridal shop, Baynard can pursue both her dreams.

Every decade has its own rules for how tame hair should be. The 80s were all about the power perm and a set of hot rollers, while the 90s and early 2000s saw the rise of the flat iron. But decades past shared one thing in common: natural curls were meant to be tamed in the name of fashion.

The beauty industry thrives on change, and every new season brings some hot new product -- like unicorn highlighter or matte liquid lipstick -- that becomes all the rage for a few months and then disappears into the bottom of the makeup drawer, never to be seen again. However, some tried and true cosmetics, both high-end and drugstore brand, never seem to go out of style.

In February, we celebrate Valentine’s Day, which means bouquets, boxes of candy, and a lot of pressure to dress up for a dinner date in a way that’s romantic without seeming silly. Pink often gets a bad rap as a color reserved only for little girls, but it’s actually a great shade for looking festive on Valentine’s Day. Here are a few ways women can look sexy and stylish in pink.

Lurking in the depths of most jewelry boxes is the dreaded necklace clump: that knot of seldom-worn necklaces latched onto one another in tangles that take hours to unravel. And if the necklace clump isn’t bad enough, the jewelry box is also where pairs of earrings go to separate and bangle bracelets break away from their peers and start a solo act. Honestly, dumping jewelry into one big box probably isn’t the best way to store it. If you’re tired of fighting your favorite pieces free every morning, try these simple tips for getting jewelry organized.

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, advancing in the professional world, boldly perusing dreams, and making the most of each new opportunity are usually right at the top, while being more stylish doesn’t generally make the cut. However, feeling comfortable in your own skin can actually help facilitate those other goals, so if you’re looking to make subtle improvements in 2018, here are a few tips for maximizing style with minimal effort.

Blame it on the Kardashians or the increasing popularity of cosmetic fillers, but the past few years have been all about cheeks. And as the cosmetics counter becomes almost overwhelmed with products meant to sculpt, color, and highlight cheekbones, it can be difficult to know what goes where. Here’s a guide to not only picking the right product for your cheeks, but for finding colors to complement your skin tone.

Traditionally, the fashion world has espoused the idea that "more is more,” but lately, simplifying wardrobes down to just a few sturdy basics has become fashion’s hottest trend. Called "capsule” wardrobes, the idea is to whittle closets down from unwieldy quantities of barely-worn, fast-fashion pieces, which are often of questionable quality, to a set number of classic, well-made items that coordinate with the season.

There’s so much to think about during the holidays—from meal planning to parties to endless shopping lists—that most of us don’t have a ton of time for complicated hairstyles. If you’re looking for easy ways to keep hair looking great during the holidays, here are a few tips from the pros.

At Christmastime, rich, vibrant red isn’t just for decking the halls. Red lipstick is also the quickest way to look ultra-glamorous, not to mention festive, for any holiday event. But with a million red lipsticks out there to choose from, it can be hard to find the one that best suits your skin tone. Here’s a handy guide for choosing the red that’s right for you.

Backpacks have recently made a resurgence, not only with students, but with businessmen and women, parents, and travelers as an alternative to traditional luggage. The reasons for the rise in their popularity are as varied as the many styles of backpacks available. Why? Backpacks are versatile. They can serve as a fashion accessory or a utility bag – or both! Consider these practical reasons.

You don’t need a haircut yet, but you want that "just left the hair salon,” hair. You know, where you waltz out the salon, flip your hair, and run your fingers through your strands, as if you just stepped off the runway. Yeah, that feeling!

Whether you’re traveling for the holidays or hosting the feast in your own home, Thanksgiving is generally pretty chaotic. Extra-long airport lines, shortages of pantry staples at the grocery store, and guests who RSVP at the last minute can make a perfectly lovely holiday feel like a Herculean task. However, packing your bags for holiday travel and still looking great around the table can be a snap with just a few wardrobe staples.

Sticking your feet into a bath of fruits and roses, accompanied with jelly and whole milk may seem silly, or even odd. Not these days. Pedicures are about more than choosing a polish color. They are geared towards a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for you and your aching feet.

Suede or leather? Knee or ankle? Classic or Contemporary? Rain or Snow? Gray, Black or Brown?

Boots are a hot trend for cold weather, but with the wide range of styles, materials and colors to choose from, choosing the perfect pair can be a challenge. Dr. Tyson Green, foot and ankle specialist with Center for Orthopaedics, says it’s worth taking some time with your decision. "Don’t sacrifice comfort for style. Careful consideration of your options can prevent discomfort and even painful foot injuries. When it comes to boots, you should always put your feet first.”

One of the best things about cooler weather is breaking out the fall clothes and pairing cuddly sweaters with stylish boots for laid back, yet pulled together looks. And in 2017, boot lovers are in for a treat because this year is all about different styles of boots. From short to tall and everywhere in between, here are all the best fall boot trends to try.

If you’ve perused the skincare aisle of a drugstore recently, you’ve probably noticed the classic skincare routine –soap and water with just a touch of moisturizer -- has been completely up-ended by a seemingly endless array of serums, masks, creams, and oils that can easily become completely overwhelming. The truth is, all skin needs different care, and our skincare needs change over time, so what worked at age 25 probably needs reconsidering at 35. Here are a few professional tips for taking great care of your skin at any age.

A shorter hairstyle is one of the best ways to beat the summer heat while staying fashion-forward. However, growing out a sassy summer style can be a drag. If you’re hoping for longer locks this fall, here are a few ways to keep hair looking stylish during that notoriously frustrating transition period.

Rubber-ducky is no longer the only one that can make bath time lots of fun. He has a little competition in the form of the newest hygienic obsession—bath bombs. Those adorable little balls or shapes hand-crafted with combinations such as soap, sea salt, and essential oils can remove toxins from your body while creating an aromatic and relaxing soak.

Fans of retro fashion will have plenty to celebrate this fall, since the coolest trends this year revolve around vintage-inspired styles. And while last year seemed to be about bringing back the 1990s, fall fashion is taking the blast from the past a step further and focusing on 70s styles.

Between the triple-digit temps and the soaring humidity, late summer and early fall in Louisiana are brutal for anyone, but combine the sweltering weather with pregnancy hormones and a few extra baby pounds, and summer becomes extra challenging for those with a baby on the way. Since holing up in the house isn’t usually an option, here are a few tips for beating the heat in stylish, yet comfortable maternity wear.

Laugh lines or crow’s feet -- regardless of what you call them, wrinkles are not something most people look forward to seeing on their face. In fact, Americans spend billions of dollars each year on cosmetic treatments to eliminate these obvious signs of aging.

Straight, curly, thick, thin—each type of hair comes with its own unique needs and challenges. The sizes, shapes, and even the bristles of different varieties of hairbrushes are actually designed to solve specific hair care problems; the key is picking the right brush for your hair type. If you’ve ever found yourself confused by the overwhelming selection of hairbrushes out there, here’s a handy guide to finding the perfect brush.

No one really likes being in a department store dressing room under florescent lighting, hoping a garment will fit because there’s no sales associate in sight. Needing the next size up can result in an embarrassing, half-dressed shuffle across an entire department only to discover the next size is out of stock. But until recently, perusing a department store seemed like a necessary evil for updating a wardrobe.

It sounds pretty contradictory to put on make-up so you can look like you’re not wearing make-up. However, one of summer’s hottest trends is a fresh-scrubbed, flawless face. And though most of us aren’t blessed with a naturally photo-ready complexion, there are plenty of inexpensive cosmetics that can help achieve a youthful, barefaced look. Here are a few essentials for achieving the perfect "no make-up” make-up.

You may have noticed a lot of sweat pants and track jackets around town that have nothing to do with gym memberships or upcoming 5Ks. That’s because one of the year’s hottest trends is athleisure, or athletic-inspired fashions that can be worn to the gym or as casualwear. The key to incorporating athleisure into everyday style is looking sporty without appearing sloppy. Read on for how to make this look work for you.

Ever notice how hair just looks better at the beach? The mixture of sun, sand, and salt water gives hair a sexy, messy look that’s easy to achieve when you’re drinking daiquiris at a seaside seafood shack but much harder to maintain year-round. However, there are a whole host of sea salt hair products out there to keep you in summer-worthy waves no matter the season.

Why does it seem like boys always get the best eyelashes, and most women end up with shorter lashes that require multiple applications of mascara to even become visible? Although the universe has yet to answer this question, there is a temporary solution to stubby lashes—eyelash extensions.

For years, bathing suit options were limited to tiny bikinis or matronly one-pieces, but this year, designers are finally offering up some more exciting options for all body types. The year’s best one-piece swimsuits are cute, yet practical, says Catina Coats, owner of Catina Couture in Lake Charles.

One of the best parts of warmer weather is saying so long to those cumbersome coats and jackets for another year. However, over the winter, many of us have gotten a little pasty under all those layers. As we settle into our shorts and sundresses it can be tempting to go a few rounds in a tanning bed or go without sunscreen until we build up a good "base tan.”

We’ve all seen the ads and the displays at the local pharmacies -- dozens of brands, all claiming to do one thing: make your teeth whiter. Some advertise themselves as the easiest or fastest, while others claim to be as good as the service your dentist offers.

So what’s the truth? In short, there are two basic types of teeth whiteners: at-home, unsupervised methods, and methods either supervised by a dentist or done entirely in a dentist’s office. Deciding which is better for you depends on several factors.

Spring is a strange time for fashion. On one hand, the stores are packed with fun clothes best suited to a beach vacation, while outside, the weather can be chilly one day, dumping rain the next, and hot enough for shorts and tee shirts the day after that. The fluctuating temperatures, coupled with the fact that many of us put our warm weather clothes away for winter, can make getting dressed a daily conundrum.

The Kentucky Derby is known for two things: fast horses and fancy hats. But believe it or not, the nearly 150-year old race hasn’t always been the classy event we think of today. In the race’s first year, organizers worried that upper-class women wouldn’t want to be associated with racing, gambling and drinking, so to address fears that the derby would devolve into a day of debauchery, the first event required "full morning dress.” For men, the dress code meant waistcoats and trousers; for women, it often meant full on formalwear, complete with a hat to shield sensitive skin from the hot sun. Over the years, Derby hats have become a spectacle of their own, with women outdoing themselves to come up with the most creative headpieces.

Southwest Louisiana has no shortage of amazing shopping, so it’s no wonder our numerous resale shops have style to spare. With so many local options for thrifty finds and savvy savings, you may not know where to begin. Check out these upscale resale options for your next fabulous fashion find.

It’s been a white winter, full of celebrities dying their hair platinum blonde, and the trend shows signs of powering ahead through spring. White blonde is a great look that works on a lot of different skin tones. It also lends a classic-Hollywood, Marilyn Monroe touch of femininity to any hairstyle, whether it’s long waves or a chopped pixie. But going platinum blonde takes a lot of effort and patience. Here’s what to know before taking the plunge.

When it comes to trying new clothing trends, all too often, women get to have all the fun. But this spring, men are probably going to want to get in on the hottest looks showcased on runways in New York and Paris. This year saw the resurgence of some old favorites, and unlike years past, comfort seemed to take center stage.

Lake Charles native Jessika See grew up participating in the pageant scene and has always been interested in make-up, beauty, and style. Two years ago, her Aunt Val, nearing the end of her battle with cancer, asked Jessika for a special favor. She wanted a make-over . . . hair, make-up, a new outfit. Jessika was glad to grant her aunt’s final request. "She was so happy, it was like a breath of fresh air had been breathed into her ailing body,” says Jessika. "She smiled from ear to ear and had a blast posing in front of the camera. She told me I have a gift for making women feel beautiful.” Soon after, Jessika decided to make a career as a professional make-up artist and started her business, J.See Make-Up. She is in high demand and works on location, specializing in weddings. Her business calendar is booked most every weekend of the year. "My goal is to help women feel beautiful from the inside out.”

From inch-long, filed-to-a-point talons to glittering, bejeweled tips, these days, nail art has become a major part of beauty culture, and the mani/pedi boom years also mean that professional manicures have become more affordable than ever. Whether you’re a devoted nail salon customer or an at-home polisher, trying out new nail trends is a fun way to explore your wild side.